Gold Bullion Coins: Austrian Philharmonics
Gold bullion coin investors looking for variety in their portfolios may want to consider the .9999 fine 1-oz Gold Bullion Coins: Austrian Philharmonics, which are struck by the Austrian Mint. In 1992 and 1995, the Austrian Mint boasted that the Austrian Philharmonic - Gold Bullion Coin were the best selling gold bullion coins in the world. However, Austrian Philharmonic - Gold Bullion Coins are not well known in the U.S.
Although some Austrian Philharmonic - Gold Bullion Coins are available in the secondary market, large orders usually have to be filled from the primary market, which means prices comparable to Gold Eagles, the best selling gold bullion coins in the US.
The obverse depicts the great organ in the Golden Hall in Vienna's Musikverein Concert Hall, the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Also stamped on the obverse is the face value 2000 Schillings, year of mintage, purity (.9999 fine), and weight (1 unze, or ounce). The reverse of the Austrian Philharmonic - Gold Bullion Coin has an array of musical instruments, keeping with the theme of the coin.
One-ounce Philharmonics are larger in diameter than standard gold bullion coins, 37 mm as compared to 32.7 mm for Gold Eagles and Krugerrands. Philharmonics have a thickness of 2 mm, versus 2.83 mm for Gold Eagles and Krugerrands.
